26 Apr 2025
From creating heartfelt campaigns and writing endlessly for leading publications, inspiring listeners through heartfelt radio interviews, sharing her voice and story, and appearing on TV, Stacey Turner’s passion for mental health shines through every step of her journey.
She’s brought stories to life for nursery children, inspired minds in schools, colleges, and universities, held meaningful conversations with the Lord Speaker at the House of Commons, and even recorded a powerful song of hope with the Desert Penguins.
She’s climbed Kilimanjaro to raise awareness, championed local businesses, and – perhaps most impactfully – founded It’s OK To Say, a mental health and wellbeing charity like no other.
As founder and CEO, Stacey Turner launched the charity with a bold mission, to offer FREE mental health care through various modes of support and now with a dedicated helpline, empowering people to reach out.
“The mission has always been to campaign for better mental health care and to remind people that it’s OK to consider what they need on a daily basis and put those needs in place – to ask for help and know that the help is available without lengthy waiting lists. At street level, I was determined to create a safe and calm space where people feel truly seen, heard, and supported because that’s where profound change happens.”
And if you need a reminder of what It’s OK To Say is all about – they’re a mental health care and wellbeing charity offering one-to-one, family, and group therapeutic sessions with professional clinicians, widening the pathways of access in community psychology for all ages.
They also host support groups, workshops, and more to support complete well-being. All of this, alongside the ongoing campaigns and everything else so passionately led, is a testament to Stacey’s unwavering dedication to mental health and community care.
Stacey also led an astonishing mission to support Afghan escapees, rallying the local community to donate clothes, toys, and everyday essentials. Thanks to this incredible wave of generosity, everything was lovingly sorted, boxed, and delivered alongside a specially created mental health care support pack, thoughtfully interpreted to meet their needs.
And the kindness didn’t stop there. With the community’s help, Stacey sourced flooring, paint, and fully furnished a home for a young family with a baby offering them not just shelter, but a fresh start. It’s a relationship built on care and compassion, and they are proud to be still supporting that family today, as well as also offering care and support to other families in the same situation.
Amidst all of this, It’s OK To Say has also lovingly developed a student program that beautifully aligns with the heart and ethos of the charity – and the importance of this work is truly profound. Not only does the program offer students a chance to grow in confidence, resilience, and self-awareness, it also enriches the charity itself, bringing fresh voices, vibrant energy, and lived experience into the work they do, helping them to evolve. It’s a powerful, two-way exchange of learning, compassion, and growth.
Stacey continued: “We’re thrilled to share the news that thanks to the incredible sponsorship from Everyone Active’s Westminster Lodge, our mission is reaching even greater heights! With their amazing support, It’s OK To Say is continuing to break down barriers around mental health offering life-changing therapeutic support.
“This and other powerful partnerships mean we can keep doing what we do best, creating safe, welcoming spaces, starting honest conversations, and making sure no one has to face their mental health journey alone. Together, we’re building a future where wellbeing is a priority – not a privilege – and we couldn’t be more excited for what’s ahead!
“More and more businesses and organisations are waking up to the impact It’s OK To Say can bring and they’re inviting us in to help place mental health right where it belongs: at the heart of their culture. Together, we’re supporting their teams with meaningful, therapeutic care and creating workplaces where wellbeing isn’t just talked about – it’s truly lived.”
And today, Stacey is thrilled to share an exciting milestone: “We’re beyond excited to have secured a beautiful, peaceful space right in the heart of St Albans, yet tucked away from the hustle and bustle where we’re now offering FREE therapeutic support to people of all ages. We believe money should never be a barrier to getting help. No matter your situation, we’re here to walk alongside you. And if we’re not the right fit or need to offer more, we’ve built a bursting directory to guide and signpost anyone who needs it.
“Our website is currently a work in progress, and we’re fully aware of the incredible potential it holds to become a vibrant hub of support, connection, and resources. Behind the scenes, we’re pouring our hearts into shaping something that truly reflects the soul of our organisation and the depth of care we offer.
“In the meantime, please know that people of all ages can be referred to us by GPs, social prescribers, or other health professionals – and we’re here, ready to listen and support, every step of the way.”
With warmth, courage, and an unwavering belief in community care, Stacey and It’s OK To Say are rewriting the narrative around mental health, creating safe spaces, starting real conversations, and building a movement where everyone feels seen, heard, and deeply supported.
A local networking group has adopted It’s OK To Say as its charity of the year.
Richard Lalchan, host of Buzz St Albans, said they will be supporting and promoting It’s OK To Say to raise awareness of their vital work.
He said: “Having cared for my mother with Alzheimer’s for the past four years, I know how life-changing it is to have someone to talk to – a safe, judgment-free space where you’re truly heard. I thank God for those who’ve been that for me.”
